Alliance for Vision Research Submits Comments Opposing Proposed OMB Rule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON — June 13, 2026 — Alliance for Vision Research today submitted comments urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to withdraw or substantially revise its proposed changes to the Uniform Guidance governing federal research grants, warning that the rule would weaken the scientific integrity, stability, and predictability of the nation’s biomedical research enterprise.

While Alliance for Vision Research supports efforts to improve accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, its comments emphasize that several provisions of the proposed rule would unintentionally undermine the proven framework that has made the United States the global leader in biomedical research.

Read Alliance for Vision Research’s full comments on the proposed OMB rule and our recommendations to protect independent peer review, scientific integrity, and the future of biomedical research.

Among Alliance for Vision Research’s key concerns are:

Protecting independent scientific peer review. Scientific merit—not political priorities or subjective criteria—must remain the primary basis for federal research funding decisions.

Preserving the unique role of the National Eye Institute. NEI’s specialized expertise has led to groundbreaking advances, including optical coherence tomography, the first FDA-approved gene therapy for an inherited retinal disease, and artificial intelligence-enabled diagnostic technologies.

Reducing unnecessary administrative burden. Additional layers of review and compliance requirements would delay research, increase costs, and divert resources away from scientific discovery and patient care.

Protecting scientific collaboration and innovation. Modern biomedical research depends on partnerships across academia, healthcare, nonprofits, patient advocacy organizations, and industry.

Ensuring timely dissemination of research. Conferences, publications, and scientific societies are essential to advancing discovery and translating research into improved patient outcomes.

Strengthening the biomedical workforce. Increased uncertainty throughout the grant lifecycle could discourage early-career investigators and weaken America’s research enterprise.

“America’s leadership in biomedical research has been built on scientific excellence, independent peer review, specialized expertise, collaboration, and long-term investment,” said Dan Ignaszewski, Executive Director of Alliance for Vision Research. “Any reforms should strengthen these proven principles—not create additional uncertainty that delays scientific progress and postpones new diagnostics, treatments, and cures for patients.”

In its comments, Alliance for Vision Research recommends preserving independent peer review as the cornerstone of federal research funding decisions, maintaining the specialized role of the National Eye Institute, ensuring transparent and objective grant oversight, minimizing unnecessary administrative burdens, protecting scientific collaboration, and preserving a grantmaking framework that advances scientific excellence, innovation, accountability, and public trust.

Alliance for Vision Research remains committed to working with the Administration, Congress, federal agencies, and stakeholders to strengthen accountability while preserving the scientific excellence, collaboration, and stability that have made the United States the global leader in biomedical research.

Contact:
Judy Hill
Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer
Alliance for Vision Research
judy@eyeresearch.org
240-351-3413

About Alliance for Vision Research 
Alliance for Vision Research is the nation’s leading advocate for robust federal funding and strong policy support for the vision science community. The organization works to elevate eye and vision research, protect the National Eye Institute, and ensure continued investment in discoveries that improve and save sight.